Mixing Family and Business Podcast

Ep: 51 - From Charcoal Grills to AI: How Technology Changed Our Family Businesses

Join host Brian Hahn on this episode of Mixing Family and Business as we look back at childhood Memorial Day traditions and explore how technology has transformed family businesses—from the days of charcoal grills and party-line phones to QuickBooks, scanners, and AI.
You’ll hear real stories and practical advice on staying open to change, the challenges and rewards of adapting to new tech, and the importance of listening to the next generation. Whether you’re running a business or just want a dose of nostalgia and inspiration, tune in for timeless lessons and a look at what’s next.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 50 - Holiday Hustle: What It’s Like to Run a Business Through Christmas, Summer, and Every Busy Season

On this week’s episode, I’m diving into what it truly takes to keep family and business running smoothly during the holidays. Joined by Tom, Shirley, Kim, and Don, we reminisce about the old days—when Mother’s Day gifts were handmade at school, holiday meals brought everyone together, and family traditions had to bend around the relentless schedule of running grocery stores and restaurants. It’s a candid look at the ways we learned to adapt—rearranging holiday celebrations, planning ahead, and learning that celebrating together doesn’t have to mean celebrating on the actual holiday.
We also talk about the unique challenges and rewards of balancing business operations during the busiest times of the year. From handling last-minute Christmas rushes to relying on a strong team and flexible family expectations, we share stories and lessons learned that just might help you if you’re facing the same juggle. Tune in to hear how, even in the chaos, family can stay at the center, and how a little planning goes a long way toward making both business and family life work.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 49 - Mom’s Rules: What Shirley Taught Us About Business (and Life)

On this episode of the Mixing Family and Business Podcast, I take you right to the heart of what it really means to blend the two, family and business, drawing from memories, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. Joined by Shirley, Kim, Beth, and Don, we reminisce about our classic family Easter traditions from the 1940s and beyond, from sugary Easter baskets and church sunrise services to those one-of-a-kind candy hunts that only happen in a busy household. But the nostalgia is only part of it—this week, we dive deep into the “Mom’s Rules” that shaped not only our childhoods but the way we’ve run businesses together over decades. I share stories about starting new ventures, learning from my mom’s sharp instincts (and softer heart), and how we navigated everything from hiring employees who felt like family to working side-by-side as a team—even when it meant showing up five minutes early and staying late to get the job done. 
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 48 - Unexpected Challenges and Lessons from Launching First Family Ventures

Are you ready to dive into the real stories behind running multiple businesses with your family? In this episode, I’m joined by Shirley, Tom, and Beth as we open up about what it truly takes to mix family and business—from our earliest holiday memories to the behind-the-scenes grit that launched our first ventures. You’ll hear about our journey starting everything from grocery stores and car washes to Dairy Queens and digital agencies, and the surprises, mistakes, and triumphs we encountered along the way. I share practical lessons on financing, adapting to unexpected changes, why your first sale matters more than endless planning, and how to keep your team (and family!) moving in the right direction. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your first company or taking your family business to the next level, this episode is packed with honest advice, funny stories, and the kind of wisdom you only get when you’ve lived it. Tune in now—I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned and help you turn your own business ambitions into reality. See you next episode—family, business, and all. Stay awesome!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 47 - Running a Grocery Store in the Sixties, Eighties, and Beyond

Ready for a trip down memory lane? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of small-town grocery stores, reflecting on the wild days before credit cards and digital systems took over. Join as we swap stories with Joel Fenton, Jonathan Bannister, Tom, and the rest of the Mixing Family and Business crew. We’re talking about the chaos and charm of counterchecks, rolling “bad check” lists, cash-and-carry loyalty programs like Green Stamps, and the kind of hands-on business practices that kept entire communities connected. From meat-cutting in the back room to making store deliveries in person, hustling with VHS tape rentals, and balancing books the old-fashioned way, it’s a look at how ingenuity and trust built the backbone of our family business. If you’re curious about how things worked in the days before scanners and smartphones, or you just want a good laugh at the way we did things, you’ll love this episode.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 46 - Decades of Family Business: Holiday Traditions and How Work Has Changed

On this week’s episode I take a nostalgic journey back through the decades with Kim, Tom, and Beth as we dig into the holidays, family traditions, and what business life used to look like. From epic Fourth of July fireworks and neighborhood water fights to big family Thanksgivings and Halloween adventures, we laugh about all the memories that shaped our childhoods. We also get into the nuts and bolts of old-school business—think Garvey marking guns, manual cash registers, counter checks, and hiring before the internet was a thing. I share what it was like to grow up surrounded by small-town businesses built on trust and handshakes, and how the evolution of technology and staffing changed the way we all worked together as a family. If you’re curious about the real stories behind bad checks, setting up the first credit card machines at Dairy Queen, or how family and business have always been intertwined for us, this episode is for you. Be sure to listen for plenty of laughs, some “I can’t believe we used to do that” moments, and a preview of even more behind-the-scenes stories coming in next week’s Part 2! 
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 45 - Resilience and Reinvention After Business Setbacks

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run multiple businesses with your family—and survive the messy parts? In this episode, I open up with Tom, Shirley, and Kim about what happens when great ideas don’t quite hit the mark. We share our honest stories about businesses that fizzled, the lessons we learned from ventures that were just a little too early (or too late), and the importance of knowing when to quit and when to push through. From losing money in the mall to epic grocery store experiments, we dig deep into how setbacks have shaped our successes, the value of resilience, and why it’s ok to start over—sometimes more than once. If you’re facing tough business decisions or wondering if you’re the only one who’s had to regroup after a flop, this episode is for you. Tune in for a hit of encouragement, a few laughs, and realistic wisdom for your own journey as an entrepreneur. Thanks for listening.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 44 - Thriving Through Change Lessons on Adaptability in Family-Owned Enterprises

Ready to dive into the real-world chaos and rewards of mixing family and business? In this episode, I sit down with Tom, Shirley, and Kim for an honest, lighthearted look at how each of us differs from our parents—not just at home, but where it matters most: at work. We talk about the unexpected curveballs you face in a family business, and how adaptability is a skill you can’t afford to skip. From learning on the fly—like jumping from store manager to meat cutter in a single phone call—to stepping into leadership roles with zero preparation, we open up about what it really takes to succeed when everyone in the family wears more than one hat. You’ll hear our stories of moving to new towns, starting over, and relying on support networks both inside and outside the business. Whether you’re running your own operation, working with family, or just want to get inspired by real strategies for growth, you’ll pick up practical tips on staying flexible, thinking young, and keeping an open mind—lessons that get more valuable with every year (and every business). Hit play, get motivated, and remember: in family business, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s your secret weapon. If you’ve got questions or topics you want to hear more about, drop me a line at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. Thanks for listening, and stay awesome!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 43 - What I Wish I Knew At 30

In this episode, I sit down with Shirley, Tom, and Kim for some honest, lighthearted stories about growing up in big families, sibling rivalries, and how childhood dynamics evolve into working relationships as adults. We open up about the lessons we’ve learned running multiple businesses together—what we wish we’d known at 30, the business mistakes we don’t regret, and why neither success nor struggle ever truly has a finish line. From Sunday family picnics to the importance of hiring smart, learning continuously, and embracing change, we dive deep into the realities and rewards of building both a family and business legacy. If you’re curious about how to balance it all, laugh at your missteps, and keep moving forward, this conversation is for you. As always, feel free to reach out at bryan@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com or kim@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Mixing Family and Business. Let’s keep growing together—family, business, and all. Stay ambitious!
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

Ep: 42 - Shifts in Parental Relationships and Business Wisdom

In this week's episode of the Client Podcast, I'm delving deep into the intricate dance of mixing family and business. I sit down with Shirley, Kim, and Tom to explore how our relationships with parents evolve as we grow older. It's a journey that influences both personal life and business endeavors. Listen as Tom and Shirley share poignant memories, and Kim provides a modern take on balancing family dynamics with professional responsibilities.
I also unravel the art of keeping teams engaged in diverse business environments. Discover the power of trust, delegation, and the genuine interest in team members that drive productivity and satisfaction. Kim and Tom offer practical strategies to craft a business culture where everyone thrives. Whether you're managing a family business or looking to harmonize personal and professional realms, this episode is packed with relatable stories and insights.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes that bridge the worlds of family and business. If this resonates with someone you know, share the knowledge! Let’s keep building a world where running a family business is both heartfelt and successful.
Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com. 
Make sure to check out our website to learn more!